The Magic School Bus Flies With The Dinosaurs

        The Magic School Bus Flies with the Dinosaurs by Martin Schwabacher

(Based on books and characters by Joanna Cole)

Illustrator: Carolyn Bracken

Publication: Scholastic

Date of Publication: September 1, 2005

ISBN #: 9780439801065 9781436437127

Pages: 32

Theme: Fiction

Format: Print, Easy Reader Level 2, Fiction

Ages: 4-8

That silly and wacky science teacher, Ms. Frizzle is teaching her class about dinosaurs. When one classmate draws a picture of a bird another classmate laughs and explains that birds are not dinosaurs, however this is where the adventure begins and the magic school bus goes back in time to the dinosaurs. Join Ms. Frizzle and the gang to learn more fun facts about dinosaurs and when they ruled the world.

The Magic School Bus series has been popular for nearly twenty years and introduces a fun and interactive approach to learning factual information in story form. In this early reader edition based on the beloved books by Joanna Cole, Martin Schwabacher takes readers on a ride back to the time of the dinosaurs via that super cool magic school bus to learn about different kinds of dinosaurs and what the world was like when the dinosaurs ruled the land.

In this adventure, the author presents the story when a classmate draws a bird for a class assignment on dinosaurs. Another classmate looks at the drawing and explains birds are not dinosaurs…or are they? Ms. Frizzle sets out on a new adventure to help her class learn about evolution and that over millions of years dinosaurs may have evolved into birds. Find out for yourself and read a long in another fun filled adventure with Ms Frizzle, Liz the lizard and learn for yourself if dinosaurs became birds.

The Magic School Bus is a series of books that focus on teaching science in a fun, easy and interactive way for children to learn about life in the real world. Although this series is indeed fictionalized, the stories present real, factual information and material for children to learn about. Joana Cole came up with a fantastic way for children to learn about things that go on in our world; she makes it relatable and easy to understand. This series is a fantastic resource to use when teaching/introducing science in elementary schools. The Magic School Bus is also a great series to bring into story times that focus on adventure and science.

My personal experience with The Magic School Bus series was a big part of my childhood. We only had a few books because this series was born in the nineties while I was growing up but we read what we had to death. They eventually came out with computer games where I seriously spent hours playing and learning all about the ocean in The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean Floor. A fantastic story that brings back many memories. 

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Arthur's Chicken Pox

        Arthur’s Chicken Pox (An Arthur Adventure) by Marc Brown

Illustrator: Marc Brown

Publication: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: April 1, 1996

ISBN #: 9780316113847

Pages: 32

Theme: Family, Health

Format: Print, Picture Book, Series, Fiction

Ages: 5 +

Arthur (that infamous and loveable little aardvark) and his family are looking forward to the circus coming to town until he comes down with the chicken pox. His little sister, D.W. pesters and teases Arthur because of all the little red spots covering his body. D.W. realizes all the attention and goodies Arthur gets from being sick and instantly becomes jealous. When the day arrives to go to the circus, Arthur finally fells betters and his family soon realizes, D.W. now has the chicken pox she so badly wanted and now upset she can’t go.

A part of the acclaimed children’s series, many of the adventures of Arthur take place in school, around their town and mostly at home. In this story, most of the setting takes place in Arthur’s family home and centers around him getting the chicken pox when he was so looking forward to going to the circus with his family. His littler sister, D.W. makes fun of all the spots he is covered in but soon realizes she wants them too so she can get more attention from her parents and grandmother.

Many of the stories about Arthur revolve around his family, so family life and growing up is a huge part of the Arthur Adventure Series. In this adventure, Arthur comes down with chicken pox, something all children go through and unfortunately have to learn how to deal with being sick and endure being pestered by his little sister D.W. Arthur’s grandmother comes over and everyone helps take care of Arthur, D.W. is quickly annoyed that all the attention is on Arthur and doesn’t like not being the center of attention. D.W. later gets the chicken pox and realizes, it’s not so fun being sick.

The Arthur Adventures have been popular for nearly twenty years and children still love learning and getting to know Arthur and his friends because his life (family and at school) is very relatable to the reader. Mixing animals for human characters and creating a story that is similar to the readers own life, this is an instant success for young readers. Growing up with Arthur and seeing how he and family have evolved, this series is an excellent story that children and families can enjoy together.

As a child, our personal library was filled with many Arthur adventures and reading his books for bedtime stories seemed to be often. My particular favorite is Arthur’s Valentine and my sister’s is Arthur’s Christmas. Again, illustration plays an important role when reading to kids, I think the illustration and basic storyline is what I love about the Arthur Series. 

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The Owl and the Pussycat

        The Owl and the Pussy Cat by Edward Lear

 Illustrator: Jan Brett

Publication: Putnam Juvenile

Date of Publication: August 4, 1997

ISBN #: 9780399219252

Pages: 18

Theme: Juvenile Poetry, Animals

Format: Print, Picture Book, Poetry

Age: 1-3

After a long sea voyage, a hopelessly romantic owl and his pussy cat are finally able to buy a ring and celebrate and enjoy their wedding.

The Owl and the Pussy Cat is a classic when it comes to Children’s Literature. Written by Edward Lear, this nonsense poem tells a whimsical story about an owl and a cat as lovers. There are many fantastic retellings and editions of this story but the Jan Brett illustrated version is one of the better versions in my opinion. Jan Brett is a personal favorite having grown up reading many of her works, this particular edition has become an instant favorite with children due to her visually rich illustrations.

Most of the story takes place out at sea, and is told in nonsense verse but with mix of poetry and the vibrant colors and illustrations, this retelling of the story has become one of the better known versions of this story. A classic for decades, The Owl and the Pussycat tells an enchanting story of star crossed lovers in the shape of an Owl and a Cat. An odd pairing but an instant success with children, this story ends arriving to an island where Owl, Cat and friends celebrate the marriage between the lovers.

Edward Lear was known for his wit and telling fantastical stories about animals and imaginary creatures replacing human characters. With a love for poetry and making up silly poems, Lear became a favorite and master at telling silly little stories featuring very interesting characters and creating collections of poems/stories that would become favorites for years to come. What he did with this story was create easy rhyming verses that were both lyrical and easy to understand for children. This would be a great story to include in a story time that focuses on poetry, love, or animals. It can be used in an array of different themed story times.

Poetry is an easy way to win the hearts of children, when rhyming and nonsense comes into play, this grabs the attention and hooks kids into reading and listening to poems. Perhaps, the main reason why I love this story so much is because of the memories I have of the illustrations. If I had to guess, Jan Brett has to be the reigning queen of children illustrators. Her imagery and detail in this edition is fantastic and lovely all at the same time.

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There's A Nightmare in My Closet

        There’s A Nightmare In My Closet by Mercer Mayer

Illustrator: Mercer Mayer

Publication: Pied Piper Book

Date of Publication: 1968

ISBN #: 0803785747

Pages: 32

Themes: Fear, Bedtime, Growing Up

Format: Print, Picture Book, Fiction

Age: 3-5

What seems like a potentially scary story for toddlers, a boy decides once and for all he will confront the nightmare that is hiding in his closet to be not as frightening as he imagined.

A classic by anyone who enjoys children’s literature, Mercer Mayer is a master at telling stories for kids. Although he has written many nightmare and monster stories, There’s a Nightmare in My Closet puts all those stories to shame. A young boy is getting ready for bed and decides this particular evening he is going to catch the so called nightmare and shoot him. But he discovers the nightmare isn’t so scary after all, he’s actually pretty harmless who has a nightmare of his own.

This story takes place in setting in the bedroom of a little boy who is frightened there is a monster, his nightmare in fact living in his closet. He is determined to find this creature and shoot him with his toy gun but ends up hurting the nightmare and making him cry. Learning this nightmare isn’t a terror after all, he lets him snuggle in his bed but learns that his nightmare has a nightmare of his own that is also hiding in the closet.

The theme presented in this story is an excellent one for kids to learn and understand. Many children grow up thinking there are monsters under their bed, in their closet or in other areas of the bedroom at night when it’s time to go to bed. It’s an excellent story that teaches how to overcome fears, no matter what they may be. Again, a great book for pleasure but a story that teaches an important and invaluable lesson we all need in our lives. This would make for a good example in story time that focuses on overcoming fears or battling against monsters or nightmares.

I grew up reading a lot of Mercer Mayer books, the other nightmare books, There’s An Alligator Under My Bed and of course The Little Critter books. I remember when we got our first computer, we had a story time reader game that feature a lot of Little Critters and Little Monster stories. Mercer Mayer is what started my love affair with reading children’s literature. 

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Is Your Mama a Llama

     Is Your Mamma a Llama by Deborah Guarino

Illustrator: Steven Kellogg

Publication: Scholastic

Date of Publication: August 1, 1997

ISBN #: 9780590413879

Pages: 28

Theme: Family, Growing Up, Animals

Format: Print, Picture Book, Fiction

Age:   4-8

On a journey to find his mother, a young baby llama goes in search to find his mother by asking six other animals if their mothers are llamas. An excellent little story told in a poetic form about a child learning about his mother and other animals.

The story takes place in the wild and follows the life a young llama that is separated from his family and own kind. The baby llama goes in search of his mother and comes across a bat, swan, cow, seal and a kangaroo before finding his mother, Llyn and the rest of the llama pack.

If there are important names to know when it comes to children’s literature, Steven Kellogg is one name you should know by heart. His imagery and visuals are captivating and children and parents alike love his work. The illustrations in this story are great and full of color. His work in Is Your Mama a Llama, is soft and soothing to the eyes. It’s a story that really doesn’t need words because the pictures tell the story.

The major theme in this story revolves around family and growing up. Lloyd, the young llama we’re introduced too seems to be separated from his mother and the llama pack and goes on a journey to understand who he is and what differentiates other animals from him. He comes across several animals, like a bat, swan, seal, and kangaroo before he realizes their mothers are not even close to looking like llamas and soon realizes what makes him and his own breed unique and special. This would an excellent story to include in a story hour focusing on animals and mothers and their infants.

If there’s one story I can remember from my youth, I would say Is Your Mama a Lama stands out the most. A fun story told in verse, it was a story that I was able to understand due to the illustrations. I am more than certain I made my mom read this book at least every other night before going to sleep. 

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Olivia

        Olivia by Ian Falconer

Illustrator: Ian Falconer

Publication: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: October 1, 2000

ISBN #: 9780689829536

Pages: 40

Themes: Family, Growing Up, Animals

Format: Print, Picture Book, Fiction

Age: 3-7

Whatever the day brings, Olivia the Pig has plenty of energy to take on anything. From trying on everything in her entire wardrobe, picking up her cat and moving it, building sandcastles, picking up her cat and moving it again, drawing on the walls hoping to become the next Jackson Pollock and a big dreamer, Olivia is sure to become every little girl’s best friend.

Most of the Olivia stories take place within her home and focus on family life which includes her parents, her brother Ian and Edwin the cat. Olivia is first introduced to us as a precious and very energetic little girl. Clearly creative, imaginative and artistic, Olivia loves going to Museums and admiring the greats like Edgar Degas’s ballerina portrait and Jackson Pollock’s modern works. From getting dressed to trying her artistic hand on the walls at home, what Olivia is really good at…is tiring herself out.

The illustrations in this book are nothing close to fancy, and it’s not necessarily a piece of work to really analyze but it’s inviting, simple and fun.  What makes this story fun through the illustrations are the pops of color in each page. The two pages solely dedicated to all the outfits Olivia tries on is great to sit and let your child look at all the funny and interesting outfits Olivia goes through, like putting her ears in a bow and her swimsuits. The tone of the story is light, full of energy and ambition. It is a story about a curious, ambitious little pig, how could a little girl not love this book?

The main themes in Olivia are family life and growing up. As you can tell from the beginning of the story, Olivia is a very loud and energetic pig (portraying the life of a little girl). This story is admirable because even though it’s a pig, it mirrors the life of a little girl and tells the story that girls can be adventurous, creative, and imaginative and aspire to be great things like opera singers and artists. It tells the story of a girl growing up and trying to make sense of the world around her, it an excellent source to help foster young girls confidence. Olivia would be a great example of a book to use in a story time promoting self confidence and ambition.

Although, Olivia came much later, the character certainly had the impact that Madeline or Eloise did while I was growing up. She’s lovable, hilarious and ambitious, a best friend any girl would want. When I came across it several years ago, I bought it and fell in love with Olivia.

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The Berestain Bears Lend a Helping Hand

      The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand  by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Illustrator: Stan Berenstain

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: September 26, 2012

ISBN #: 100679889566

Pages: 32

Theme: Family, School, Social Behavior,

Format: Electronic

Ages: Preschool to Grade 2

      The Berestain Bears are back at teaching us more lessons with Brother and Sister Bear in their latest adventure and learning the importance of others and being nice, caring and thoughtful cubs. Mama Bear is worried her children are a little bit too selfish, it’s up to her to show them it’s better to nice and helpful to others than to always be thinking of themselves. What turns into a chore, the young bear cubs learn the importance of helping Mrs. McGrizz cross the street, help her with her groceries and clean out her attic.

      One of the many reasons why The Berenstain Bears still seem to be popular and relevant in early literacy in today’s culture and society is because of the lessons they teach in their stories. “The Berenstain Bears highlights the value of positive family interaction, their stories encourage positive social behavior like cooperation and respecting others.” (Publisher’s Weekly) Stan and Jan Berenstain have created a classic series that although centers on a family of bears, their lifestyle is very similar to our own, it’s relatable and teaches basic lessons on family and school life.

This is just one excellent story that teaches a small act of kindness. Brother and Sister bear are very much into their own lives and don’t necessarily see the good in helping others, including their family. While Mama is a bit worried and sees that old Mrs. McGrizz needs helps, she jumps at the chance to offer her children to help McGrizz. Not exactly thrilled to spend an afternoon away from their play time, brother and sister help bring in Mrs. McGrizz’s groceries and clean out her attic, the cubs enjoy the time spent with their neighbor and ultimately feel better having helped her. “The Berenstain Bears encourages positive social interaction and helps kids develop an appreciation of family relationships, which will give them a solid foundation of social development to prepare them for interacting with other children and the world.” (PBS Tracker) These stories have been around for years and continue to be fun, popular and a great way to teach children basic and invaluable lessons they need to know in the home and at school. The Berenstain Bears almost needs to be a requirement in schools and libraries, not just on the shelves but a major part of story time and teaching lessons in school and library settings.

I grew up reading and absolutely loving The Berenstain Bears, it was a defining part of my childhood because it taught me many life lessons. My mother was not a particularly big fan of these books but my sister and I loved them, so she was forced into reading a lot of Berestain Bears when it came to reading before bedtime.

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Mouse Paint

        Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Illustrator:  Ellen Stoll Walsh

Publication: HMH Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: March 27, 1995

ISBN #: 9780152560256

Pages: 32

Theme: Animals, Colors

Format: Print, Picture Book, Fiction

Age: 2-6

While a cat is sleeping, three curious mice dive into jars of red, yellow and blue paint. As they play in spatters of paint, they discover what happens when colors are mixed together.

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh is a light hearted and fun introductory book for toddlers to learn about the concept of color. “Thus begins a flirtation with paints (mixing colors, making new shades, dancing in swirled puddles) that provides them with nearly all the colors in the spectrum, and when the paint dries, they bathe in the cats water bowl until they are white again.” (Publisher’s Weekly) Walsh is a master at brevity and clarity in her outstanding concept book and makes it certainly memorable for toddlers and parents to come back to over and over again. A fantastic little book that focuses on introducing colors into the child’s mind, this book is an excellent guide at teaching colors in a very simplistic way. “Thus begins a flirtation with paints,” is a great little line that perfectly describes the mouse playing in the paint in this entertaining book.

A story (really a mini series for concept books) that focuses on three little mice and their escapades with a cat, this book is something “both parents and children alike will appreciate this lighthearted presentation of a lesson on color.” (School Library Journal) In another of Walsh’s favorite concepts books, the use of mice playing in paint is an excellent way of getting children engaged, what is it with the love of mice and children? A book that continues to fascinate and thrill parents, Ellen Stoll Walsh is a born story teller.

Personal Response: As an adult I have to say I loved this book, when I came across it I could not help but pick up the rest of the concept books by Walsh. Our has most of her works including, Mouse Count, Mouse Shapes and other stories featuring these adorable mice. 

             

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The Librarian from the Black Lagoon

   The Librarian From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Illustrator: Jared Lee

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Date of Publication: August 2008

ISBN #: 9780545065238

Pages: 32

Theme: School, Growing Up, Overcoming Fears

Format: Print, Paperback Series, Fiction

Age: Preschool to Grade Three

In this fun and wacky series created by Mike Thaler, we are now introduced to the school librarian. From the perspective a young boy who only knows the rumors of how mean, ugly and strict she is, no know wants to go to the library. They say she’ll laminate you if you talk in the library and if you take books off the shelf and books are found out of order, you’ll be electrified!! Follow the crazy imagination of a little boy and see for yourself, if she’s really a monster!

This series follows the life of a young boy and his adventures at school and how his wild imagination makes his teachers and school staff out to be monsters. Each book in the series takes place all over the campus of an elementary school and we learn about each of the teachers. In this hilarious story about the librarian, the author plays off of common stereotypes about librarians. For instance, if you even whisper you will be laminated, if you take a book off the shelf and they are out of order you will be electrified. These rumors describe how grotesque and scary the librarian is, the main character’s imagination creates a terrifying creature as the librarian.

While this series is focuses on being fearful of the school staff, “growing up often entails simple acts of courage, no less intimidating because they’re small like conquering the mysteries of using the library…” (New York Book Review) This writer in the New York Times was reviewing a few children’s based stories that focus on the fears of school and what children learn outside the classroom. His description of overcoming fears is an excellent point that the author of this series is getting at. The main character is panicked about going into the library because of all the scary and intimidating rumors he keeps hearing around school about the librarian. In the end, his class finally enters the library and is greeted by a nice and friendly librarian. This is great story to use in a story time that focuses on school and silly stories. 

Personal Response: I only grew up with The Teacher from the Black Lagoon but it was a particular favorite of mine. The story was hilarious and as I got older I realized the author picks on society stereotypes of the school staff and is full of great illustrations. After picking up the rest of the series at the library, I quickly grew to really enjoy the Black Lagoon series.

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Mr Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea

   Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Arthur Howard

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Date of Publilcation: March 30, 1994

ISBN #: 00152009019

Pages: 44

Theme: Family, Friendship

Format: Print, Beginning Chapter Book, Fiction

Ages: Grade 1-3

In the first in the series, Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour The Tea, we are introduced to Mr. Putter an elderly man who is lonely and wants to spend the rest of his life with a companion, a fury companion. He makes his way to an animal shelter and finds an older tabby cat to take home with him. They start their day sharing muffins and tea and end the day with Mr. Putter telling Tabby all his wonderful and full of life stories. By the end of the book, Mr. Putter and Tabby are inseparable and can’t imagine their life without each other. Join in on a truly fantastic story and learn all about Mr. Putter and Tabby.

Cynthia Rylant, Newbery and Caldecott award winning author has created several beginner chapter books like Poppleton and Henry and Mudge, but her series that explores the life of Mr. Putter and finding an old cat, their adventures together make these stories warm, cozy and children and parents wanting to read them again and again.

In one of her most loved, Mr. Putter and Tabby, Cynthia Rylant’s creates “wonderful stories that allow you and your audience to share the reading…the stories are light and have a twist that make it fun for adults and children alike.” (PBS Tracker) The simplicity of Mr. Putter’s life and finding Tabby to share his experiences with is the perfect combination for young readers to fall in love with reading. Mr. Putter an old man is looking for company, after going to an animal shelter to find an older cat to fit his personality, Mr. Putter brings home an old tabby cat and they become lifelong friends. Sharing muffins, scones and tea, Mr. Putter and Tabby become friends and can’t imagine life without one another.

Rylant’s work in the first book of the series is wonderful and full of charm. “Rylant’s text reflects admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word. They are in perfect sync with Howard’s expression sketches…” (Publisher’s Weekly) I couldn’t agree more with this review, Cynthia Rylant is a master at storytelling and Arthur Howard’s illustrations completely complement the text and storyline. A fun and engaging read for parents and kids, Mr. Putter and Tabby is sure to become a classic. A great beginner series to introduce to elementary school age children in preparation for early literacy skills and finding the enjoyment of pleasure reading.

I was not introduced to this series until I started working in the Children’s Department at the local library when parents and kids kept coming to me to find Cynthia Rylant beginner books. Once, I was acquainted with the characters, I couldn’t help but read all the Mr. Putter and Tabby books we had.  

Amazing Grace

 Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Illustrator: Caroline Binch

                  Publication: Scholastic

                  Date of Publication: September 2, 1991

                  ISBN #: 9780803710405

                  Pages: 32

                  Theme: Family, Multicultural, School

                  Format: Print, Picture Book, Fiction        

                  Age: 4+

Grace wants the lead role in the school play as Peter Pan. However, she is met with much doubt and uncertainty from her classmates because of her gender and skin color. With the support and wisdom of her mother and Nana, Grace learns that she can be anything she wants to be.

            This story takes place in the home of Grace, the main character as well as at her school      where she wants to play Peter Pan in the school play. A big dreamer and full of ambition, Grace wants to audition for the role of Peter Pan, but is told Peter is white and a boy. Determined to get the part, Grace auditions for the role after talking with her Nana about pursuing dreams and later the next day, everyone watches how fantastic Grace’s audition is and learns she finally gets the part.  

            This is a story about determination, confidence and not giving up. Grace a young black girl is surrounded by her classmates who all can’t wait to act in a production of Peter Pan.Grace is quick to audition, but is immediately brought down by her peers criticism, Peter Pan is white and a boy. Grace not understanding why she can’t play the part confides in her grandmother about what happened at school that day, her grandmother teaches her that she can be anything she wants to be, if she puts her mind to it regardless of sex and race. In the School Library Journal, a Milwaukee librarian reminds us that this story  “portrays a determined, talented child and her warm family enhance an excellent text and positive message of self affirmation.” Agreeing with this librarian, this is a great book that teaches an important lesson in a book that is targeted to a young audience.“Featuring colloquial dialogue and endearing characters, Hoffman's tale is truly inspiring.” (Publisher’s Weekly)  It’s a fantastic story that introduces the concept of confidence and determination, traits and qualities that we all need in lifeA great book to include in story times that focus on    dreams, confidence and introducing multicultural stories into a child’s reading list.

            Personal Response: Growing up, I absolutely loved reading Grace's story in both   Amazing Grace and Boundless Grace. An empowering story that highlights the strength, confidence and independence of an African American little girl, the story is an excellent example that teaches readers to follow your dreams no matter your obstacles. When she is confronted by her classmates, Grace is reminded by her    grandmother that she can be anything she wants as long as she dreams.  

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What's Your Favorite Animal

What’s Your Favorite Animal by Eric Carle (and friends)

Illustrator: Eric Carle and Illustrators featured in text

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co

Date of Publication: January 2014

ISBN #: 9780805096415

Pages: 40

Theme: Animals

Format: Print, Nonfiction

Ages: 0-7

Eric Carle is a master at creating fun illustrations that both children and parents know and love. In his latest, What’s Your Favorite Animal? beloved children authors and artists like Rosemary Wells and Nick Bruel share their favorite animals in this beautifully illustrated and wacky book.

Eric Carle is known for writing and illustrating many famed children’s book that we all have grown to love. His most famous works include titles like The Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug along with many others. Known for silly stories about animals and his vibrant and colorful use and style in his illustrations, Carle is perhaps the most well known children’s illustrator to date.

In a collaboration with many other children’s illustrators both old and new, Carle combines the love of illustration by bringing together beloved authors/illustrators and depicting their favorite animals. “The contributions range from meticulously rendered artwork to quick, funny sketches, along with commentaries that can be elegiac, nostalgic, silly, and even meta.” (Publisher’s Weekly) Authors like Lucy Cousins and Mo Willems come together and share their favorite animals in what will hopefully become a classic and a book that children will grow to love and learn more about some of our favorite children’s illustrators. The School Library Journal describes this lovely collection as, “This successful collaboration of old favorites and newer names in illustration is sure to keep youngsters engaged and may inspire them to write about and draw their favorite animals or to take a closer look at other works by Carle and his friends.” If there’s one thing that sticks out about children’s books (especially picture books), children remember stories by the pictures on a page. Talking about illustration and learning about different illustrators is definitely important and it helps parents and educators understand what kind of style of drawing kids may like. 

The main theme in this book is learning about animals through beautifully depicted illustrations by some of our favorite illustrators, it includes an array of different animals including elephants, cats and even snails. Learning the different kinds of animals and different styles of drawing, this is a great way to introduce reading to preschool age kids and in library story times focusing on animals. If there’s anything we know about kids, they love learning about different kinds of animals. This would be a great source to use in a story time focusing on animals or learning about different drawing techniques.

I grew up reading and rereading The Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug, they were just really simple and fun books. What I remember loving about Carle’s work was his illustrations, they were simple and fun. His work didn’t necessarily need to  include a written story to accompany the drawings, his work would have done just as well being wordless books. He’s a great author and illustrator to introduce to children at a young age. 

(images via google)